The Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood mourns a huge loss today as one of the greatest actors in the industry John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, who brought joy on the TV screen has passed on.
With over two decades of experience on the Nollywood screen, John Okafor was known for his comic roles that helped propel his acting career to new heights. Nigerians are mourning the loss of a great actor who gave his best to bring joy to fans all over.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria President Emeka Rollas announced the news on Saturday informing the public about Mr Ibu’s passing in a statement: “I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it.” John Okafor suffered a cardiac arrest.
Having risen to the Nigerian movie scene, John Okafor stood out immediately as one of those prolific Nigerian actors. Many referred to him as Mr Ibu, a character he played in a movie under the same title, which later became his career-long nickname and was considered one of his best performances in a comic role.
John Okafor starred in more than 200 Nollywood films
Before his passing, John Okafor had starred in more than 200 Nollywood films – including Keziah, 9 Wives and several Mr Ibu sequels. Many fellow actors took to social media to pay tribute to the amazing actor with actress Mercy Johnson Okojie saying: “Rest well, sir,” and law professor and former UN rapporteur Joy Ezeilo said the actor was a “beloved” figure who “brought laughter to many”.
Nigeria’s Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa described him as a household name who had made families smile throughout his career.
The actor’s health issues first came to light last year after one of his legs was amputated in November to keep him alive with fans donating to a crowd-funding scheme for his medical bills. One of his legs was amputated in November after fans donated to a crowd-funding scheme for his medical bills.
The amputation became necessary because of an infection of the arteries at the ankle that was not detected early enough. Okafor was born on October 17, 1961. He was a Nigerian actor and comedian who hails from Enugu State. The comic actor came to the limelight in 2004 with the movie “Mr Ibu.” featuring another popular actor, Osita Iheme.
Check out: The Power Hollywood Has Had In Shaping Our View of Guns
Learn about the week’s hottest music, lyrics, and lugambo.
Leave a Reply